Why if there is no EE [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Eeyore1954

07-26-2002, 07:05 AM

For me the loss of EE was no big deal. It meant my DW and I could sleep a little later rather than getting up with the chickens to get to the park.

Why stay on-site? For us, it's being able to stay in the middle of the magic. We always have a rental car -- mostly for convenience and for getting to/from DTD. We love being surrounded by Disney during our stay.

We stayed off-site one year and realized as you drive through the gate that the magic does end. You're back at your hotel, which may be nice, but it's just a hotel. There is something very different about a DISNEY hotel.

The wake-up calls from Mickey, the mousekeepers, going downstairs to a Disney breakfast... there are so many things that make staying on-site a wonderful experience.

lizzie64

07-26-2002, 07:07 AM

1 word

MAGIC

Eeyore2U

07-26-2002, 07:47 AM

Eeyore and Lizzie hit it on the head.

It is the immersive feeling we get, being knee deep in the magic.

EUROPA

07-26-2002, 07:47 AM

Plan Man- many people used EE and many people did not it is a topic of hot debate around these parts. I myself am one of these people who miss it dearly. If you do a search for EE over the last 9 months or so you will see this topic has been brought up many times. In fact I find it strange that one poster has not added his "views" already but I'm sure it will come along soon....

Basically don't let anyone bully you into accepting what you feel is unacceptable. If losing EE was the breaking point for you then make sure you let some one at Disney know about it. Everybody has something that Disney offers that would drive him or her nuts if that were taken away from him or her. Some just don't like to admit it. Many things have slowly been eroded away from the Disney experience over the years while some great things have been added; however for some of us it seems the bad outweigh the good. I don't really think that any of us are at the point of not enjoying Disney or not going. At least not yet. Again I feel the best way to effect change at Disney is to speak your mind. Call, write, send an email, and talk to managers at the hotels or Guest Relations.

Hope you have a good trip. I know I will.

callahanjulie10

07-26-2002, 07:49 AM

About 1 1/2 weeks ago I recieved a call from WDW responding to an e-mail I had sent expressing my wish for the return of EE. We ended up talking for about 45 minutes! She explained to me that a small segment of WDW guests actually used EE and the cost of opening up 1 hour early was unbelievable. They have been monitoring it for quite a while and found that it just wasn't economical. Of course- I told her that my family lOVED it and that we really missed it- a big reason that we stay on-site but not the only one. I told her that we had been at WDW at the time that they had cut out EE with no warning and seemed to try and replace it with Character Caravan. SHe responded that Character Caravan was in response to requests by vistors who wanted more characters without the lines or cost. She said that this option is really cost effective and that WDW could do that to please vistors. I asked if we could ever hope for return and she said she hated to say No but probably not. I would suggest writing and writing and writing and hopefully we can make them change their mind!!

Eeyore2U

07-26-2002, 07:50 AM

Wasn't the OP looking for opinions and not a diatribe on what to do??

*Sheesh*

ducklite

07-26-2002, 08:34 AM

We would use it once, maybe twice on a 7-10 day trip, so we do'nt really miss it.

That said, the reason we stay onsite is simple. Convenience. We really enjoy going to a park and leaving to go back to our room for any reason at all, without having to make a logistical plan to do so.

We spend over 50% of our park time at Epcot. We stay at an Epcot resort about 70% of the time. See the correlation? :)

We also like being able to partake of some of the finer liquid refreshments at Epcot, as well as with our afternoon and evening meals--oh, what the heck, we're on holiday! Mimosa's at breakfast anyone?? At any rate, it's nice to be able to do so without having to think about it. We're not getting behind the wheel at the end of the day.

Anne

Bob NC

07-26-2002, 08:44 AM

I love Disney and want to stay on-site.

Then what's the question again?

My question - Why pay the extra money to stay on Disney property without the EE???????????

If you have stayed onsite before and liked it, then you know the reasons. If EE is the ONLY reason you like to stay onsite, then the answer is simple. Save the money and don't stay onsite.

We don't use EE and we always stay onsite. Of course, when we go to Vegas we don't stay in Henderson. When we go to Cape Cod we don't stay in Boston.

Tiggerlover91

07-26-2002, 10:25 AM

For me, I used EE and I will miss it. DH won't though....he teased me about being up at 6:30 every morning on vacation...that's NOT a vacation to him. :rolleyes: Anyway, it will be kinda nice to sleep in til 8am til the parks are open at 9am (will be up a little earlier for AK though as they open at 8). Disney has FP and if you know how to use it, it works out very well!! There are soooooo many people who don't have a clue about it, they think it's for resort guests only or guests who purchased "special" passes. Well then, let them think that, just more FP for me and DH. :p :rolleyes:
So will I still stay onsite with EE gone....ABSOLUTELY !!! It just adds something special to me when leaving the parks and still going "home" to Disney. The transportation at the Allstars is also one of the best and that's another reason why I will continue to stay there until someone drops a couple grand into my lap and then I will look into the monorail resorts. :jester:

~~~Denise :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

eeyore0062

07-26-2002, 10:38 AM

MAGIC, MAGIC, MAGIC!!!

You just can't find it off property!

We have been since EE was stopped, and it really didn't affect us in the least, and we always planned around it. In fact, we found that it was a more relaxing trip, and we enjoyed the little bit of extra time in the morning to either sleep, have a nice cup of coffee, or eat breakfast. Our moods were better, because we didn't feel as rushed.

We would never consider staying off property again!

janetd

07-26-2002, 06:45 PM

Hi

The loss of EE still continues to bother me. We always used it and when the unctuous CM called and told me that hardly anyone else did I asked him "so how come there were hundreds of people in line with me. Who were they?" Disney is on the ropes financially and that's the reason. I'll return next May to YC concierge because I can't stand to stay any place tacky or cheap.

As for the magic? Well when I was at YC this April there were various conventions going on. I heard one businessman mumble into his cell phone "if someone wishes me a magical day one more time, I'll throw up". I understand what he means.

By the way, because of the hard times at disney, the YC, for example, has had to become more user friendly to conventioneers. One women who sets up meetings for her group said she couldn't believe how much better the cost and service was compared to a meeting she'd arranged ther 2 years previously at YC.

The business about EE still aggravates me. Jane

Eeyore2U

07-26-2002, 07:03 PM

Originally posted by janetd
Hi

The loss of EE still continues to bother me. We always used it and when the unctuous CM called and told me that hardly anyone else did I asked him "so how come there were hundreds of people in line with me. Who were they?" Disney is on the ropes financially and that's the reason. I'll return next May to YC concierge because I can't stand to stay any place tacky or cheap.

As for the magic? Well when I was at YC this April there were various conventions going on. I heard one businessman mumble into his cell phone "if someone wishes me a magical day one more time, I'll throw up". I understand what he means.

By the way, because of the hard times at disney, the YC, for example, has had to become more user friendly to conventioneers. One women who sets up meetings for her group said she couldn't believe how much better the cost and service was compared to a meeting she'd arranged ther 2 years previously at YC.

The business about EE still aggravates me. Jane

Jane,

If you read enough of the EE post you'll see that it seems for every one that used it at least two didn't.

As far wishing someone a magical day, there a number of people that complain if they don't hear it.

You can't please everyone.

To your point about booking conventions, I would hope Disney would do what it takes to gain marketshare but that they would do it wisely.

Nolcrest

07-26-2002, 11:10 PM

This is why my family stays onsite - even without use of EE.

Easy Bus transportation. We drive to Disney so my husband likes knowing that he can just park the car and forget about it for a week.

Charging privileges to room so we don't have to carry a large amount of cash with us. We pay our bill before we leave so our CC is not charged.

Picking a resort with a theme that strikes my fancy at that time.

Package delivery to room so we don't have to lug stuff around with us.

Leaving the parks at lunchtime to relax and swim in our pool and heading back to the parks in the evening.

Leaving the parks using their transportation to eat at other resorts.

Refillable mugs at our resort. It is very convenient for my family. I'd fill my mug everyday with lemonade and then go sit by the pool.

When you do go and start the car and you find the battery to be dead the Disney resort security is great about meeting you at your room and jump starting your car for you. And when it happens a second time and they come out in a torrential downpour and do it again, they are still quite friendly about it.;)

cindyfan

07-27-2002, 10:54 AM

DITTO to everything Nolcrest said!!:) ......except maybe that dead battery thing!! LOL That never happened to us, so Knock on Wood that it doesn't! LOL

Anyway, it is all part of the Magic and being at DISNEY for the entire trip.
Even though we used EE a lot!!! and miss it a lot!!! This wasn't the only reason to stay on site.

We miss the longer hours more!!!
I am an early bird and if I get to the park at 9am, I feel like half the day is gone! And we love the parks in the evening, the lights and the cooler temps after the sun goes down. It was aweful this year with MGM and MK closing so much earlier.

Tiggerlover91......AK doesn't open til 9am now!!!! It is the worst schedule change out of all the changes they have made!!!:eek:

eeyore0062

07-27-2002, 11:19 AM

I heard one businessman mumble into his cell phone "if someone wishes me a magical day one more time, I'll throw up". I understand what he means.

So what would be preferred... that they nod and grunt? Why go to Disney, which is supposed to be a magical time, if you don't want to hear good cheer coming out of the CM's mouths? There are plenty of other amusement park, or other resort destinations that will live up to the "nod and grunt" mentality, if not the "ignore you and maybe you will go away" mentality, if that is what is preferred!

lovmy2girls

07-27-2002, 11:21 AM

I do understand about EE, we would have used it for our December Trip since our kids get up early and then come back mid day for a nap.

But staying on park is night and day a different atmosphere to just a regular hotel off property even if its HIFS. We plan on spending time away from the parks because of the kids needing a break, and not able to hit the parks commando style like we did before kids.
Everyone is different, some just use it for sleep and a shower, others use them as part of the vacation. Its up to you. What will your away time be, kids needing to go back etc.....

Onsite-Disney world
Offsite-Real World

Good luck and have a great trip

:) :)

cindyfan

07-27-2002, 12:05 PM

eeyore0062....give the guy a break!!!!:)
It says he was a "business man" on his cell phone...so obviously on a business trip!!! So obviously he did not pick the place for the convention (or whatever)!
And maybe he was just feeling jelous because he was stuck in meetings all day and everyone else was enjoying the MAGIC!!!!
If that were the case I would be rather crabby too!!!!!:eek:

Lisa P.

07-28-2002, 11:39 PM

Here's why we've mostly switched to offsite stays...

Onsite is expensive and we expect more for our money. EE added something of tangible value, not an intangible "magic" that seemed more like marketing hype than anything else. Years ago, we never thought we would EVER think this. DH hits Disney overload earlier than the rest of our family. But we all agree that the food, souvenirs... nearly everything onsite is overpriced and subject to (as someone else recently posted) "constant shameless promotion" so that you will part with your money.

We prefer to drive to all the parks (except MK) even when we stayed onsite. We hated waiting in the loooong lines at the end of the day for those buses and boats... standing on concrete for up to 45 minutes to board a standing-only overcrowded, smelly bus along with a lot of overtired, smelly people (yes, we sometimes went during a hot time of year).

We've found it's just as easy to use a regular Visa debit card or Disney Dollars as it was to use a room charge. Front of the park pick-up is available for all guests' purchases and we didn't have to worry about the last day (no room delivery until next day after 2 PM).

As more offsite resorts are built, more are beautifully appointed and landscaped. Our vacations in offsite timeshare villas have afforded us a level of quality, amenities and space that we could not (or would not) afford onsite. The pool areas are gorgeous. The nearer resorts are as quick & easy to return to, for a midday rest or swim, as waiting for a Disney bus or boat.

We are still able to use our park hopper passes to visit onsite resort restaurants but we are just as likely to visit one of the nice offsite restaurants. We never got much use from the refillable mugs. We can use our full size kitchen to stock all our favorite beverages, snacks, desserts, fresh coffee, etc.

At a good offsite resort, security staff are just as likely to stop and offer assistance as they are onsite. We've experienced this offsite, when we were just waiting for friends to run back inside a moment and DH decided to check the coolant in our van. Security offered to help, though it wasn't needed.

One word of advice to anyone contemplating an offsite stay after only staying onsite for years... if you're going to do it, don't pick the cheesiest, cheapest, oldest Days Inn you can find, then act shocked that it doesn't compare to Disney. It doesn't compare to Vistana, Hilton HGVC, Fairfield or Marriott either. See what you were considering spending for onsite, drop your price a little bit and get the best place you can offsite for that money. Chances are... you may be very nicely surprised! :) We were!

janetd

07-29-2002, 08:08 AM

Hi,

I am still amazed at how people leap to defend the "magic" and don't realize that there is "life" offsite. The canceling of EE continues to aggravate me. Some form of EE might have been retained even if on a rolling park basis.

Consider the hotels at Universal. They are just as lavish as the WDW deluxes and more reasonable.

Thanks for the wakeup call.

Also, the idea of refillable mugs as a defense of the "magic" is ludicrous to me. How can it possibly be hygienic?a family of 4 trudging through WDW with mugs. Have mugs will travel. Magic-I don't think so.

Sorry to ruffle any feathers, but this is just my opinion.
Jane

lizzie64

07-29-2002, 08:16 AM

Look,

I don't think anyone needs to "defend the magic". It is my opinion that Disney is a magical place. It is my opinion that staying offsite is not for me. If I go to Disney, I want to stay at Disney.

We did not use EE once in 10 days last year. We did use package delivery, we used the mugs. This too did not matter to us.

For me Disney is Magic. And if I go, it is on-site. Off-site does not appeal to me or my family.
Don't mean to ruffle any feathers either, but, if you don't want to stay on-site then fine, stay off-site, but for those of us that believe in the "Magic", there is no such thing as "off-site"

Lewisc

07-29-2002, 08:41 AM

For a family of more than 4 YOU CAN DO MUCH better offsite. Much bigger accomodations, free breakfast, mini kitchens, full kitchens even themed pools. The restaurants offsite tend to be less expensive. Since EE was the main reason for staying on-site I'd try offsite your next trip.
I can understand Disney's position on EE, but I wonder if just having part of the MK (Fantasyland and 1 or 2 other) open early twice a week might be a good alternative.

Trekker

07-29-2002, 09:19 AM

Ok - here we go

We have never used EE - I cannot possibly get my teenaged kids or my DW up that early no matter what.

So - why do we stay onsite?

The magic of staying onsite.......

It is so hard to describe, we have stayed offsite one time paying less than $30.00 a night for a 2 br suite w/ livingroom and Kitchen.

We will never (unless forced by availability) stay offsite again... How to explain it? HMMMMM!

You know that feeling you get when you leave WDW to go home the very last day of vacation? We got that feeling everyday when we would get in the car and drive out those Big Beautiful Gates at the entrance to WDW....

When on property the day is not over when you head to the resort from the park, you are still surrounded by people enjoying WDW, you are still greeted and taken care of by WDW CMs, You do not have to become an adult again at the "end of the day" because the day doesn't end and really you do not have to drive anywhere unless you want to......

I can stay at other hotels in 100's of cities around the world, when at WDW I want to be at WDW all the time.

It is all a feeling - and a very hard one to describe.....

lizzie64

07-29-2002, 11:03 AM

Trekker,

I'm with you. I go to Disney, to be at Disney 24/10. Whatever the cost, it's part of what my budget is.

MAGIC IS MAGIC

Tiggerlover91

07-29-2002, 11:06 AM

AK OPENS AT 9AM????!!!!! WHAT ARE THEY THINKING???!!!!! :rolleyes: :jester: Ahhhhhh, still more rest for DH and I before hitting the parks though. ;) Just means we'll have to hit the safari first thing when the park opens. :jester:

Ballybunion3

07-29-2002, 01:26 PM

until we went this past Easter. I was sure we'd miss EE, but guess what? We got to sleep about an hour later each day, we arrived about 30 minutes prior to opening at each park, and we got to do just about everything we wanted to do by noon each day, leaving the rest of the day to do what our hearts desired.
So, as difficult as this is for me to say, EE is NOT that big a deal, if you get to the parks prior to opening - you still get through the turnstiles, and get set up for the rope drop. Canceling EE was a business decision - if it makes you mad, then let WDW guest relations know - or change your plans, go somewhere else. THAT is how Disney will change ITS behaviour - when it hits them in the pocket book.

OK, now for the on/off site issue. Man, are we beating a Dead Horse! Whatever blows you're hair back, ya know? I personally like the All Stars - I honestly don't know how you can get a better hotel & amenities for around 50 bucks a night. Maybe you can, but we enjoyed it so much, why fix it if it ain't broken? That's just us, and if we had a bad experience, I'd probably be with the Off-site crowd.

Just my 2 pence.....

10drum

07-29-2002, 01:33 PM

1 Reason for no EE......cost cutting

3 Reasons to stay on property..........location,convienance, & MAGIC

eeyore0062

07-29-2002, 01:51 PM

eeyore0062....give the guy a break!!!!

Cindyfan, I wasn't referring to what the businessman said on his phone, I was referring to the poster JanetD, who was agreeing with him. She was obviously on vacation, and let's face it, if she is going to Disney World, that is the type of treatment she should expect. I know that I would expect no less!

manning

07-29-2002, 01:57 PM

One thing that is becoming irritating are the convention parties being held in common areas. Last time staying at YC, we tried to walk over to the Boardwalk via the west side of the lake. Couldn't do it because a party was being held on the walkway. Why can't they have it on the lawn so it doesn't interfere with other guests. Keep it out of the traffic lanes.

I saw someone go thru the party and grabbed a drink on the way. Someone challenged him and he gave him a toast and kept on going. good for him. Wish I had his nerve, my drink tab at WDW would go down considerable with all the free drinks.

indigo

07-29-2002, 03:50 PM

If the unofficial guides (websites, books, etc) hadn't pushed skipping the EE day parks then maybe Disney would have seem them as utilized and kept them... at least in some form. :-)

:earsboy: Indigo

eeyore0062

07-29-2002, 08:48 PM

You know, Indigo, you may be right! I have the 1998 and the 2000 copy of the Unofficial Guide, and it does give that strategy. So instead of blaming Disney, lets blame Bob Sehlinger for that advice!;)

cindyfan

07-29-2002, 09:28 PM

Sorry eeyore0062....didn't realize you were referring to Janetd :)
I should be telling her to "give the guy a break":) :)

And I agree....I expect no less too!!!!:)

It is a great feeling to have everyone say "Have a Magical Day!!"

We stayed at Poly for 4 nights in June and it was awesome to have all the CM say "Aloha!" :)

YEP!!.......Part of the magic!!:)

raidermatt

07-29-2002, 10:17 PM

Plan Man asked for reasons to stay on-site...

The use of the transportation, and no need to rent a car unless that's your preference.

Closer to parks.

Disney service. If you don't feel that Disney service is superior, then its not a reason for you. Some swear by Hilton, some by Marriot, and some by Disney. It just depends on your preference and experience. My recommendation is Disney, but I understand that my recommendation is no more valid than anyone else's.

Free taxi to and from Disney golf courses, as well as ability to make tee times further in advance. (of course, this only helps you if you play golf on-site).

Themeing and beauty of resorts. Again, a personal preference.

Character Caravan. Nice if it works for you.

Magic. Again, very subjective, and if you don't feel it, there's nothing wrong with you. I think McDonald's serves the worst fast food burgers in existence, but apparently many feel otherwise. I don't get McDonald's, and some don't get the Magic. To each his/her own.

Lisa P.

07-29-2002, 10:27 PM

One thing that is becoming irritating are the convention parties being held in common areas. Last time staying at YC, we tried to walk over to the Boardwalk via the west side of the lake. Couldn't do it because a party was being held on the walkway.

That would really bother me too! It's pretty frustrating when one is paying anywhere from $200-$500 per night for their hotel room! I've read of times where the pool areas of some Disney properties were restricted for a few midday hours due to a convention group. This has also happened at the Disney Vero Beach Resort (a DVC property). Forget that!

Disney has overbooked hotels with convention groups and ended up bumping regular prepaid guest families to other Disney properties. Sometimes, they were upgraded (especially if they asked), but some of the stories described on these boards in the last two years have demonstrated a lack of concern for the guests - no apology, no accommodation, just a straighforward, "we don't have a room for you so we're placing you at the Swan" or similar.

Unfortunately, the bottom line affects people in every industry. And Disney is part of the hospitality industry. As conventions become a greater (and more steady) piece of the income pie for Disney resorts, it's not likely to get better. JMHO.

Plan Man

07-29-2002, 10:56 PM

On-site but sitll inexpensive!!

We are going to stay at Fort Wilderness and camp in our tent trailer.

I won't stay off-site -- If I go it is on-site!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jasmine13

07-29-2002, 11:36 PM

Hey, whatever works, right? I'm with you, Plan Man... I will camp (a 4 letter word, in my vocabulary), before I will stay offsite again! Too many times offsite... now I want a piece of the MAGIC!!! Countdown to September and the CBR... 53 days, and counting!

SnackyStacky

07-29-2002, 11:38 PM

As someone said, the whole concept of magic is very subjective.

My main objective in finding a room is the cost. I really prefer not to rent a car, so the hotel has to provide transportation to the Disney property.

If I can find a decent looking room at a reasonable rate, then I'm all for it be it at Disney, or off-property.

This trip, I happened to find an amazing rate at POR, so that's where I'll be staying.

I'm not one who swears by staying on-property, nor am I one who swears by staying off.

I do have to say though that saying anything less than the YC concierge is cheap and tacky is a bit much. Just my $.02

Tluvs2talk

07-30-2002, 12:34 AM

I have stayed on Disney property 35+ times and have only used EE maybe 5 times. I also learned to avoid whatever park EE was at for that day. EE only meant early hours, CROWDS, and a few rides open. EE being cancelled = NO LOSS TO ME!

Mustangdi

07-30-2002, 06:55 AM

We always used EE and this will be our first
trip without EE. We are still staying onsite
this year, but might reconsider after this
trip. I would think that in time Disney will
lose money with the absense of EE and shorter
hours. Less time in the parks and extra cost
to stay onsite? I definetly do love the magic,
but at what price? Maybe this will only be a
temporary thing we have to endure. We still
need the extra little things that keep us
coming back for more. EE, I will miss it!!!!!

PatriciaH

07-30-2002, 12:47 PM

Although we did not use EE every day we would use it sometimes. I hope they bring it back at least at the MK since it is a great option to have! It helps us plan our days better too.

As far as the hotels go in Orlando, I much prefer to stay on site. We even plan on spening some time at the Disney hotels when we move to Orlando next year. I think it will be nice to be able to spend a night or two at WL or AKL or Poly for a special occasion or to use the pools, etc.. :p

eeyore0062

07-30-2002, 02:28 PM

I also feel safer staying on property than in Kissimmee, rt 192, or I-4... that is well worth the extra money in my book!

patsal

07-30-2002, 04:49 PM

We just like that MAGIC. That being said, this past vacaation I tried to save a few bucks on "night one" afterall I'd just be sleeping. NEVER again. I saved a whopping $20.00, but the agrivation factor was enough to kill me. First I paid in cash, so I had to leave a credit card or $100.00 cash deposit or have the phone turned off. (I opted for the phone, since I had the cellular and really didn't want to wait for my $100.00 back in the morning.) If I had just stayed at the AS I could have had a great character breakfast, hit a park, had my luggage sent over to WLV and then check in at afternoon break time. I also would have had a shower that morning because I would not have been afraid of what was growing in it. I don't care if my flight arrives at midnight next time I will stay on property. In terms of saving a few dollars it really doesn't add up when you look at the chance you take on accomadations, the long treck back if you want to take a break and carting so much with you in case you might need it. Oh yeah, and when I'm on vacation I want to have a Disney Day! and a Disney afternoon and a Disney Night and.....

Meagansmom

07-30-2002, 09:29 PM

I have to agree that I would never consider staying offsite at WDW. I guess our biggest reason for staying onsite is convenience. With everything to do and see, it is the convenience's of getting there, so many ways to get to your destination at WDW. Although we have made one decision of staying at an Universal hotel the days we visit there. And again only a/c convenience. I guess I consider my time worth something.

I can see both sides to EE. While we used to take advantage of it especially when our daughter was young. It was nice to take breaks and return to the hotel to cool off for awhile and return to the parks. The daughter now has more energy than us, except this past May was extremely hot, we still took some breaks. You have to learn to adjust. I can say that another reason we liked EE was if we chose to use it or not, we could still plan off of it. We would know what days are going to be busy and adjust this to our schedule. If we knew that that day was the MK, we could avoid that park completely. This is kind of one reason I wish they still had EE, we could plan alot easier. If people liked it, let them go, if you didn't like the crowds, don't go to that park because you know it would be busier. Actually we would leave that park and go to another one. But it was the planning we used it more than any other reason.